Some attendees may already have paid for their slots, booths, tables, etc. If the public also boycotts this event then a lot of those vendors attending will not make as much as they hoped from the event. If those attending can't get out of their contracts and get reimbursed then hopefully they will sue the event organizers for the resulting low attendance conditions that they created. Sad for the small mom and pop operations that rely on these shows for income, however, being fashionable for the sake of "political correctness" comes with a price.

When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America , you get a front row seat. - George Carlin

Speakers not showing up- Blaine Anthony, The Bear Whisperer.
Good man Blaine.. Anyone know him?
Wish I was there. Put his grizzly bear on a leash, go in the show and just let people pet him.
"Nah he is friendly as hell. Just don't touch his neck."

"Man needs but two things to survive alone in the woods. A blow up female doll and his trusty old AK-47" - Thomas Jefferson 1781

Based on that list I'd say some ones going to be looking for a new job.

Voting with our wallets is a hell of a lot more effective than voting with a hi-jacked ballot.

Hell yeah!! That is truly awesome, and sometimes the wallet speaks louder than any other form of voting.

Enforcement, NOT Amnesty!!!!!!

"If they’re going to come here illegally, apply for & receive assistance through a corrupted Government agency encouraging this lawless behavior, work under the table & send billions of dollars each year back to their families in Mexico, while bleeding local economies dry, protest in our streets waving their Mexican flags DEMANDING rights, while I have to press ’1′ for English, then they need to be shipped back to where they came from!" -Chad Miller

The statement is disingenious of course as it essentially blames the Sporting Rifle Community for not cowering and caving into the Fudds. They don't have the balls to admit that they screwed up and screwed up badly.

They seem to be blaming gun owners for the failure of the event rather than take responsibility themselves. They should reschedule it and make it crystal clear to everyone - especially the public at large that this is a "Fudd Show" and a "Fudd Show" only and that the MSR people and supporting industries are not welcome before firearms vendors spend time and money for an event where they are not welcome. United we stand but it is apparent that Reed want's to divide and hasten the downfall of all for short term Political Correctness gain. So yes, by all means reschedule the event but be very upfront and honest with all including potential visitors that this is entirely a "Zumbo" Type Fudd Show and not a Gun Show.

ESOS Statement:

Reed Exhibitions has decided to postpone, for now, the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show given the controversy surrounding its decision to limit the sale or display of modern sporting rifles (also called ARs) at the event. The show was scheduled to take place February 2-10 in Harrisburg, PA.

“Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event’s historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families,” said Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions President for the Americas. “In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs would distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests. This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day.

“It has become very clear to us after speaking with our customers that the event could not be held because the atmosphere of this year’s show would not be conducive to an event that is designed to provide family enjoyment. It is unfortunate that in the current emotionally charged atmosphere this celebratory event has become overshadowed by a decision that directly affected a small percentage of more than 1,000 exhibits showcasing products and services for those interested in hunting and fishing.

“ESS has long been proud to participate in the preservation and promotion of hunting and fishing traditions, and we hope that as the national debate clarifies, we will have an opportunity to consider rescheduling the event when the time is right to focus on the themes it celebrates.”

When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America , you get a front row seat. - George Carlin